The buzz: If Tech hopes to continue a bowl streak that started when flannel was still in all its Nirvana-inspired glory, Saturday would be a fine time for the Hokies’ running game to be in bloom (all apologies for the attempts at grunge humor). Tech running backs Steven Peoples (team-high 682 rushing yards) and Deshawn McClease were effective in last week’s 34-31 win against Virginia, combining to have 26 carries for 143 yards and a touchdown, but Marshall’s defense presents a significant challenge. Marshall has surrendered just five running plays of 20-plus yards. Only four FBS teams have given up fewer than five runs of 20 or more yards. Linebacker Chase Hancock leads Marshall with 87 tackles, while defensive end Ty Tyler is pacing the Thundering Herd with seven sacks. With defensive end Emmanuel Belmar and linebacker Dax Hollifield (two sacks each), Tech might try to mix four-man pressure and blitzes to pressure quarterback Isaiah Green (55.7 percent completions, 2,018 yards, 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions), who has struggled to remain consistent. Marshall has only given up 19 sacks this season. Tech quarterback Ryan Willis (57 percent of his passes completed, 2,185 yards, 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions) will look to wide receivers Damon Hazelton (45 catches for 745 yards and eight touchdowns), Eric Kumah, Hezekiah Grimsley from Lafayette High and Tre Turner to try to break down a Marshall defense that’s giving up just a 56.2 completion percentage this season (35th best in the nation).

The pick: Tech 33, Marshall 24.

- Norm Wood

NORFOLK STATE (4-6) at LIBERTY (5-6)

When/where: 2 p.m. at Williams Stadium, Lynchburg.

Video: ESPN3 (online).

Radio: 91.1FM, 96.9FM, 98.3FM, 100.1FM, 107.3FM.

The buzz: Liberty's games have been nothing if not entertaining. The Flames score 31.5 points per game while allowing 38.6, and their games have combined for an average of 918 yards. Norfolk State, while in a losing effort, racked up 522 yards in its last outing as QB Juwan Carter threw for a career-high 467 yards. NSU's defense must make stops to keep this one close as Liberty converts 41 percent of its third downs. NSU is 0-10 all-time against FBS opponents.

The pick: Liberty 49, Norfolk State 23.

- Ray Nimmo

APPRENTICE SCHOOL (8-3) VS. OAKLAND (6-1)

When/where: 3 p.m./West Liberty University, Wheeling, W.Va.

Video: ncfafootball.org/post-season/bowlgame

The buzz: In its first season in the National Club Football Association, which is for schools without an NCAA football team, Apprentice has dominated all seven of its NCFA foes by margins that would make even Alabama jealous. The final step for the Builders is to beat the Oakland Golden Grizzlies, who are two-time NCFA champions and have a roster almost entirely comprised of players from their home state of Michigan. They knocked off defending national champion Sacred Heart 38-14 to earn their ticket to Wheeling. Last season, Sacred Heart ended Oakland's 23-game winning streak.